Simran Joshi
Eliza Dushku, best known for her role in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*, is embarking on a new chapter in her life, having recently become certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy and nearing the completion of her master’s degree in counseling and clinical mental health. In a candid interview with Boston magazine, published on September 27, the 43-year-old actress shared her passion for healing, inspired by her personal journey through trauma. Dushku and her husband, Peter Palandjian, are also funding research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, aiming to leverage their benefits for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Eliza Dushku’s New Path in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Eliza Dushku, best known for her role in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*, has embarked on a transformative journey into the field of mental health. In a recent interview, she announced her certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and her pursuit of a master’s degree in counseling and clinical mental health. This shift represents a significant change in her career focus, one that she believes aligns with her personal experiences and passion for healing. Dushku expressed that this new calling is not just a career move but a deeply personal mission, aimed at utilizing her past to guide and support others in their healing journeys.
Dushku’s commitment to this field is further underscored by her and her husband’s involvement in funding research and clinical trials on psychedelics’ potential benefits for mental health. According to the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, psychedelic-assisted therapy offers promising results for conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD through the medically supervised use of substances like MDMA and psilocybin. Dushku hopes that her efforts will help shed light on these alternative therapeutic approaches and contribute to broader acceptance and understanding of their benefits.
Confronting Trauma and Advocating for Change
Dushku’s decision to explore psychedelic therapy is rooted in her own experiences with trauma, particularly her allegations of sexual molestation as a child and subsequent incidents of harassment in the entertainment industry. She has spoken candidly about the profound impact these experiences had on her mental health and well-being, describing a feeling of being “wholly unwell.” This candidness highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and seeking transformative treatments for those affected by trauma.
Through her advocacy and newfound career path, Dushku aims to inspire others to confront their pasts and seek healing. By sharing her story, she hopes to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open discussions about the efficacy of unconventional therapies. Her journey reflects a broader movement toward recognizing and addressing the mental health crisis, particularly in communities that have long been marginalised or overlooked.
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